Advice to Choose Pet-friendly Carpets for Your Home

If you are a pet owner, you would know how hard it is to choose between your four-legged, extremely naughty companion and your (very) expensive carpet.

As much as you love your dog or cat, it can be distressing to find hard-to-remove yellow stains all over the precious carpet. Moreover, you have to deal with the tears caused by sharp nails and dander all over the carpet.

Well, if you are one such distressed owner who is trying to deal with the disastrous combination of a pet and carpet, then try choosing a pet-friendly carpet for your home. Not only do they prolong the life of the flooring, but also help in keeping your room fresh and neat.

One of the major problems with pets and carpets are stains. Spills and 'accidents' by pets can leave unsightly stains on the carpet. To avoid this, you need to choose a carpet with stain-resistant material. Natural fiber carpets are popular because they are long-lasting and healthier than the synthetic variants.

One of the best natural fiber carpets are wool carpets. The natural stain resistance of wool allows it to repel moisture rather than soak it up. So, as soon as it stains, you can quickly clean up to avoid damaging your carpet.

If you want to opt for synthetic fibers, some good choices are olefin, polyester, and nylon carpets. These carpets are stain-resistant and durable. Nylon, which is cheaper than polyester and olefin, is a popular choice among homeowners with pets. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a new polyester or synthetic fiber known as triexta fiber, which is known for its durability and highly stain-resistant texture.

While buying a carpet, we often do not pay very close attention to details like the loop pile. However, if you have pets, watch out for loop yarns in carpets. The loops get caught in the pet's claws while they are playing, and lead to claw snags in the carpet. Moreover, the pet might end up pulling its nail off.

To avoid this, choose a cut-pile carpet without loop fibers. Some popular cut-pile carpets are Frieze, Axminster, and Saxony carpet types. If your dog or cat likes running around the house, choose a non-slip, soft surface.

Instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, you can try carpet tiles. Available in a range of colors, designs, and material, carpet tiles can be replaced when worn out or stained. For example, if you opt for wool carpet tiles and your pet soils one part, you do not need to clean the entire carpeted area. Instead, you can just remove one tile, clean it under cold water, and replace it once it is dry.

When choosing the carpet, it is important to select a material that your dog or cat is not allergic to. Some synthetic carpets emit VOC (volatile organic compounds). This can cause allergies and skin problems for the pet. Look for Green Label Plus Certification to ensure that the carpet is safe for your pet.

Never underestimate the power of alternatives. Provide the dog with an area rug that it is comfortable for resting on it, or a scratch post to avoid scratches and snags on the carpets by pet nails. Keep the area rug in the place where your pet often sleeps. These area rugs come in a range of sizes and colors. Smaller rugs are machine-washable and are hence, best for pet accidents.

You might love a gorgeous white carpet at the mall, but when your pet gets muddy paw marks all over it, it can be extremely despairing. Moreover, when dogs and cats shed, your carpet is bound to be covered in dog or cat hair.

Instead of vacuuming all day long, you can try getting a carpet that matches the color of your dog or cat fur. It might not prevent the stains, but it does help in disguising the problem. Choose a color that is a shade darker than your first choice. This will hide the stains and lessen the need for frequent carpet cleaning.

If you are worried about pet urine damaging your floorboards, select a water-resistant underlay. This will prevent damage caused by frequent dampness and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Choosing the right carpet also depends on your budget and preferred appearance.

Although you may be tempted to get a low-cost alternative, remember that in a home with pets, these carpets would be damaged very soon. Instead of changing your carpet frequently, opt for a good quality, stain-resistant carpet that will last for years to come.